plans rely on big growth and this week, some of the biggest and strongest u.s. companies said the growth that we've already got is tepid and slowing. companies like caterpillar, generale electric, 3m, ford, all warning about conditions in europe and china, these are companies that are symbols of american stability, they are worried. so worried that some are laying off workers to cut costs. you remember that move. the problem here is that there's just less money coming into the united states. the candidates aren't talking about the slowdown overseas or the storm that it's fueling, but they claim that they can keep america competitive, create millions of jobs, and cut the deficit. voters understand their big ideas and they like them, but undecided voters aren't sure which guy can turn promises into economic reality. i've got two of the best political minds in the country to break this down for us. candy crowley our chief political correspondent, host of "state of the union with candy crowley" and mark preston, cnn's political director. candy, let's start with you. from the very first prima